Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces high-quality data about diagnosis and periodontal treatment. To date, there is not enough research regarding periodontal bone measurement using CBCT. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of CBCT in measuring periodontal defects to that of intraoral radiography and probing methods.
Materials and Methods: Two-hundred and eighteen artificial osseous defects (buccal and lingual infrabony, interproximal, horizontal, crater, dehiscence and fenestration defects) were created on 13 mandibles of dry skulls. The mandibles were put into a plexiglass box full of water to simulate soft tissue. CBCT images, radiographic images taken with parallel technique and direct measurements using a WHO periodontal probe were recorded and compared to a standard reference (digital caliper). Inter and intra observe consistencies were assessed using Intra class correlation coefficient and pearson correlation.
Results: Inter and intra observer consistencies were high for CBCT and probing methods (ICC- Intra class correlation coefficient>88%), but moderate for intraoral radiography (ICC-Intra class correlation coefficient > 54%). There were not any significant differences between observers for all techniques (P>0/05). According to paired T-test analysis, mean difference for CBCT technique (0.01 mm) was lower than that for probing (0.04 mm) and radiography (0.62 mm). CBCT was able to measure all kinds of lesions, but radiography could not measure defects in the buccal and lingual sites.
Conclusion: All three modalities are useful for identifying periodontal defects. Compared to probing and radiography, the CBCT technique has the most accuracy in measuring periodontal defects.

Background and Aims: Calcium hydroxide has a pronounced antimicrobial activity against most of the bacterial species found in infected root canals and endodontic infections. It is one of the most frequently used intracanal medications in endodontic therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of six calcium hydroxide formulations (mixed with saline, lidocaine 2%, chlorhexidine 2%, chlorhexidine 0.2%, Iodine Potassium iodide (IKI) 2%, and glycerin) on Enterococcus faecalis using agar diffusion test.
Materials and Methods: Twelve culture plates were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis. Five cavities were made in each plate with 5 mm diameter and 4 mm depth. Two plates were randomly considered for each calcium hydroxide formulation and filled completely with creamy mixture of tested materials. The plates were incubated at 37ºC for 48 hours. The diameter of inhibition zone around each well was recorded in millimetres and data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests.
Results: The results of this study showed that all tested calcium hydroxide pastes had good antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide mixed with lidocaine, chlorhexidine 2% and IKI 2% were significantly greater than that of calcium hydroxide mixed with saline (P<0.001). No significant differences in the antimicrobial  were found between the other groups (P>0.01).
Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, lidocaine 2%, chlorhexidine 2% and IKI 2% are suggested to be used for preparation of calcium hydroxide paste. Further studies with different methods are needed for confirming these results.